Police Say Dispute Over Pregnancy Led to Homicide

"Part of the conflict revolved around the victim’s pregnancy. At the time of the victim’s death she was between her first and second trimester." - Linn Sheriff Tim Mueller

27-year old Christopher G. Weston of Lyone, Oregon has been arrested for homicide. Photo: Linn County Sheriff

(ALBANY, Ore.) - Deputies in Linn County responded to a report of a suicide November 1st at 147 6th Street in Lyons, but they say initial reports of a self-inflicted gunshot wound were untrue. Today they announced that a person has been arrested for homicide in the case.

Linn County Sheriff Tim Mueller says the report of a suicide led to the discovery of 23-year old Tanicia Kay Velasco of Salem. Miss Velasco was at the residence with a group of people who included a male friend. This male friend was identified as 27-year old Christopher G. Weston who lived at the home in Lyons.

At first deputies were informed the death was caused by a self inflicted gunshot wound to the chest. But Mueller says subsequent interviews with witnesses and further investigation of the crime scene revealed that the victim had been shot by Weston as a result of a disagreement over their relationship.

"Part of the conflict revolved around the victim’s pregnancy. At the time of the victim’s death she was between her first and second trimester."

Mueller says Weston was taken into custody and lodged at the Linn County Jail Sunday at 1:50 AM.

Weston will be arraigned on Monday November 5th in Linn County. Funeral arraignments will be handled by Fisher Funeral Home of Albany.